Even though you feel as though your world has just crumbled, wake up and keep breathing.
Even though her cry sounds like a kitten and you want to punch someone in the throat when they mention it, go to the library, the grocery store, around the block anyway.
Even though she looks like a newborn and can’t even hold her head up and you would rather eat fried worms than get in a bathing suit, take her to that Mommy and Me swim class anyway.
Even though everyone asks if she was a preemie when you tell her she’s a year old and it drives you batshit crazy, go to that party anyway.
Even though you feel as though you should have “Nympho” or “Helookeddesperateanditwasonlyonetime” on your t-shirt because you are 9-months pregnant again and she looks like she was just born, go to Target anyway.
Even though everyone else’s kids are walking and talking and blooming, take her to the gymnastics class anyway.
Even though you’re scared that they won’t take good enough care of her, or she might get sick, or she’ll get hurt, send her to pre-school anyway.
Even though kids might make fun of her, and she doesn’t talk yet, and she walks like a drunken sailor, and the kids are twice her size, send her to Kindergarten anyway.
Even though she’ll spill drinks, and hit babies, and pull hair, go to that school function anyway.
Even though you’ll feel isolated and alone and stressed out while everyone else sits around and relaxes, go to that neighborhood party anyway.
Even though you’re afraid she’s not wanted, that it’s a pity invite, that she won’t be welcomed, send her to that party anyway.
Even though it’s hard, it’s scary, it’s annoying, it’s lonely, it’s sad, it’s not what you wanted, do it anyway.
The most magical things happen when you do.
Elastamom's Excerpts 
Beautiful post and great advice about taking risks. A good read for any parent. When fear creeps in, the instinct is to stay home and stay safe. But what kind of life/example is that? Your courage is inspiring.
You are very inspiring. Would love to meet you, I think our daughters would get along wonderfully.
Oh, my cyber friend…I can so feel your pain.It can be so hard to keep on going some days. Again…my thoughts on your blog š Thankful for the magical times!! Cooper and I might just jump on a plane to meet you and Olivia….it would be so to go through the “do it anyways” together and celebrate the miracles with Olivia and Cooper ( see my FB status from Sat)
Hoping for miracles throughout the day for you!!
Brought tears to my eyes. It’s amazing how you can describe exactly what so many of us feel. You are so strong and such an inspriation. Thank you for your powerful words….
This is beautiful. It’s inspirational especially for those who are earlier in the special-needs journey than you are, those who fear ever having anything even close to normal in their life again.
Thank you for this.
I have the shivers reading this. I love that you wrote it using “you.” Instead of, “even though I was scared, I …..” for example. It it an honor to be a part of “you” in this post, because we have the privilege of being in the story too.
the line about being a nympho/your hubby looking desperate is hilarious š
but, on a more serious note, this is a lovely post. I really admire the way you solider forth in life instead of hiding at home and wallowing in self-pity (although, as the great George Costanza would say, “pity’s very underrated…” — sometimes you do need a good pity-fest for a day to get everything out of your system!). I’m glad you’re finding rewards amidst all the sh*t life throws! š
You are such a brave Mommy, I am glad you are able to reap the rewards! I wish you lived near me, I would love to have you as a friend š
Lisa
This is so beautiful and so inspiring. I think of all of the families I have worked with in the past and continue to work with now and in the future. So many of them long to hear this. I tell them with my words, but yours mean so much more. Once again, I am honored to know you. I am forever thankful for the luck of the draw that brought me to you.
Love the repetition and the humor and the honesty. And the last line.
How timely. My sister brought my nephew to library storytime today for the first time. He is approaching two, and she keeps getting braver.
I may just have found my mantra for the com in year..do it anyway š
Thanks again for the chat tonight. Hope we can Skype with the girls soon š
Thank you! I needed this. I’ve only made it to the send her to pre-school anyway part so far. Still trying to work out the kinks.
Love!!